A three-day gathering for 400+ incoming Rotary Presidents across eight districts of the American West.
Every March, the Far West PELS brings together more than 400 Presidents-Elect from eight Rotary districts across Northern & Central California and Northern Nevada. Three days of workshops, keynotes, fellowship — and the start of a year of service.
PELS isn't a single event. It's a weekend of immersive tracks — choose the sessions that match your year's priorities, or dive into everything.
Opening & closing addresses from the RI President's Representative and past district governors.
Interactive breakouts.
The Rotary Foundation.
Returning presidents.
Meals & mixers.
Project planning.
From the opening keynote to the closing banquet — relive the moments that made last year's seminar unforgettable.
Check-in, name badges, and a chance to meet your fellow Presidents-Elect before things kick off.
Kick off PELS 2026 with the Far West Leadership Team and the RI President's Representative.
Dine with your district cohort. Meet your DGE, Assistant Governors, and fellow PEs from clubs near yours.
Start the day with breakfast and informal connections across districts.
Core session for every first-time President: bylaws, board leadership, meeting design, and accountability.
Choose the track that fits your year's priorities. Each breakout is led by past district leaders.
How to set foundation goals, run annual campaigns, and tap Global and District Grants for club projects.
For returning presidents — deeper conversations on retention, difficult members, and long-term club health.
Dinner, recognition, and an evening of fellowship across all eight districts.
Last chance for breakfast conversations before the closing general session.
A send-off keynote reinforcing the Rotary mission and the year you're about to lead.
Close out PELS with your district cohort. Set commitments, exchange contacts, and map the year ahead.
Light lunch, photos, and see you at your first board meeting as President.
A look back at PELS 2025 — the keynotes, the conversations, and the connections that made it unforgettable.
Meet the Rotary leaders and past district governors bringing their expertise to San Jose this March. From membership growth strategies to the Rotary Foundation, here's what to expect from this year's speakers.
Ahead of the seminar, here are the strategies that delivered real results for clubs last year.
From humble beginnings in 1978 to the largest regional PETS in the Western US today.
The best part was being able to connect with other PEs and learn about Rotary. Hearing all the inspiring stories pumped me up for the year ahead.
From start to finish, you had me leaning in and ready for more. The moment you embrace the uncomfortable, the magic begins.
These events are so well organized. There was no fluff, just excellent information. The speakers were inspiring.
The Encore Presidents sessions were really nice. Our discussions were deeper and more meaningful than the sessions I had two years ago.
I love the fellowship and ability to network. Well organized, great speakers, engaging sessions, good food, great people.
I arrived more than just a little overwhelmed. By the end of the sessions, I felt confident that I could successfully lead my club.
2050 Gateway Place
San Jose, California
These partners help offset the cost for Rotary Club Presidents to attend this important training. Interested in sponsoring PELS 2027?
2026 registration is closed. If you missed it, contact your District Governor-Elect ASAP for options. Or join the PELS 2027 waitlist and be the first to know when doors open.